1978 Traveler tranny

J

jyatesmp

New member
I am looking at buying a 1978 traveler with a 345 and auto tranny. I would like to swap the tranny to a standard. The guy I'm buying it from does not know what tranny it is, and does not know how many gears it has. I have not gone to look at it yet due to the fact it is on the other side of texas. I would like to know what tranny it could be (and how to tell what it is by looking at it) and if I got the truck and wanted to swap it to a standard, how hard would this be. I know I'm putting the cart before the horse, but I'm new to IH and would like to learn all I can even if I dont go with this truck or this swap. As far as the owner knowes everything is stock, and the tranny shifter is in the floor.
 
The transmission will be a torqueflite 727 -- 3 speed; no od -- from what I have read not the exactly same as a mopar 727.

As far as "swaps", there are two IH 4 speeds -- wide ratio (granny low) and close ratio.

Jeff / ihon sells a kit to install a nv4500...

Those are the "easy" ones -- that I am aware of... IH bell housing is "unique" afaik -- no bolt up to GM / Ford / mopar transmissions.
 
Ok what about keeping it auto but going with a 4 or 5 speed auto. Is this an option? If so what tranny would I need to get and what all will I need to swap?
 
As stated above, there are no "bolt up" transmissions that I am aware of --

just checked Jeff's store and he has an adapter for a 700r4.
 
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robertc said:
as stated above, there are no "bolt up" transmissions that I am aware of --

I have not done / paid for any hd mods -- there are "IH build threads" on various bulletin boards.

where are the threads located?

I will post a few comments....

I am new to major 4x4 mods, but have done a lot of work on Chevy cars and trucks. I am trying to teach a friend how to work on cars and trucks, and this will be his first project. He loves the IH and I like them as well. Im just looking to help a friend learn how to work on vehicles and pass our hobby on.

You would need a custom-made engine / transmission adapter (my guess $500. - $2000.); fabricate a transmission cross member; new driveshafts (needed for the man trans, also).

I understand the tranny adapter however universal transmission mounts are all over the place, and new driveshafts are not all that hard to find now days.

Biggest problem -- afaik most of those transmissions (4 / 5 sp auto) are "computer controlled" -- IH is "before computers".

I know the 700r4 frrom GM is very easy to find, is not computer controlled, and people have put them behind almost all types of motors. That was kind of what I was wanting to use but was not sure as I am new to IH.

People have done various engine / transmission "transplants".

First, you need to ask yourself some questions --

why am I interested in an IH? Because "it is cheap" is not a good answer.... Especially if you want to do the mods you are asking about.

interested in IH due to its 4x4 ability. He wants something he can drive to go hunting, fishing, camping ect and go offroad if he needs or wants to. He likes older vehicles but want it to work when he needs it.

How "deep" are your pockets (money?)?

I am helping a friend with this project. He is new to working on any vehicle and I am new to any major work on 4x4's and all new to IH but am willing to learn, expand and help teach our hobby. He is not wanting to sink $20k in it but he wants it to be a good investment. The truck he found looks and runs great, but he is wanting to add some small changes and make it part of him.

What do you "want" from an IH vehicle?

he wants to be able to drive anywhere then go offroad. Thats why he would like a standard or even a 4 speed auto over the 3 speed. At least the 4 speed auto gives him lower 1st gear and a 4th gear for the road. He'd like the standard better because he loves shifting gears in an older vehicles.

How extensive are your automotive / fabrication skills?
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I can do about anything. As I said I am new to IH and preaty new to doing anything major on a 4x4. I have a 63 nova I took out a i6 and replaced the motor with a 327 (v8's did not come in the 63's) and put in a 350 turbo tranny and a Ford 9" rear end. I have built many motors and replaced several trannys, but all have been in 2wd Chevy cars and trucks. I just need to know where I look for parts to do this stuff to a IH. Id like to keep the 345 motor at least for now and would like to keep the tranny a oem style, but that May not be an option... I'm just looking to see what can be done.
 
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jyatesmp said:


I can do about anything. As I said I am new to IH and preaty new to doing anything major on a 4x4. I have a 63 nova I took out a i6 and replaced the motor with a 327 (v8's did not come in the 63's) and put in a 350 turbo tranny and a Ford 9" rear end. I have built many motors and replaced several trannys, but all have been in 2wd Chevy cars and trucks. I just need to know where I look for parts to do this stuff to a IH. Id like to keep the 345 motor at least for now and would like to keep the tranny a oem style, but that May not be an option... I'm just looking to see what can be done.
Click to expand...

As Robert mentioned check out our build ups as they do showcase what is involved in installing a 700r4 behind an IH engine. We offer many of the various parts that are needed in the conversion. The swap is not easy nor cheap but once done is sure an extreme pleasure to drive.
 
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